Plastic single glazing is it necessary to insulate the balcony. How to insulate a balcony with cold glazing, is it necessary to insulate the loggia from the inside. It's actually real

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Insulation of cold glazing is sometimes used, although usually this exercise takes a lot of time and effort, but does not give the desired result, since in most cases it is carried out incorrectly. Before work, you should learn how to competently insulate the balcony, making it a comfortable room.

What glazing is considered cold?

Quite often, when buying an apartment, the owner is faced with what she already has. Often, the developer does not use expensive materials and installs cold glazing without insulating the balcony in any way. In this case, it may be relevant to replace cold glazing with warm , which will significantly improve the final result, as it will help eliminate heat loss that occurs precisely through the window frames.

However, you can improve and. Most often, it is aluminum frames. Aluminum itself has a high thermal conductivity, so the room cools down quickly. Plastic double-glazed windows can also be cold. Most often this is a problem of single-chamber structures. This type of glazing can protect against precipitation, wind, dust, but does not resist frost well. Therefore, the insulation of the cold glazing of a loggia or balcony plays a rather important role in creating a comfortable atmosphere in the house.

How to insulate a balcony with cold glazing?

How is glass replacement going?

Any work is carried out in several stages. This procedure is performed as follows:

• Calculation of the mass that the parapet can withstand. Do not use too heavy glazing, as this can lead to the collapse of the structure.
• It is enough to simply remove cold windows: for this you will need to cut off the mounting foam, pull out the glass, and disconnect other fasteners, if any. After that, the frame can be pulled out.
• New windows are being installed. It is recommended to use plastic with double glazing. They usually do not weigh very much, while retaining heat well.
• If you had panoramic cold glazing, then you can install plastic windows from the floor or build a parapet from lightweight materials, such as a gas block.
• You can choose any windows according to the way of opening, it only depends on how much free space there is on your balcony.
• If it is impossible to install windows with thick double-glazed windows, you can put energy-saving glasses on thin ones, they will help to keep warm, while not increasing the weight of the structure.

Replacing a building is technically easier and does not require special permits, so it is recommended to change the glazing to the same as it was in shape, with the only difference that a warm structure will be used. After the installation is done, you need to install glazing beads on the glass, adjust the fittings.

Insulation of cold glazing and its subsequent replacement with warm one is a waste of effort and money, since when dismantling old structures and installing new ones, the tightness will be broken. The finish can also be damaged, new cracks will appear in the seams. If you plan to make a warm balcony, it is recommended to start work with the replacement of glazing, and then carry out work on the insulation of structures. They are made in exactly the same way as with the insulation of cold glazing.

Cold glazing is used mainly to protect the balcony from precipitation and drafts, but even with proper insulation, it is not able to protect against frost. If you plan to make the balcony really warm and significantly raise the temperature inside it, it is recommended to immediately replace the cold frames with warm ones.

A warm loggia or a warm balcony is not a luxury at all in conditions when cold weather in our latitudes lasts for six months, from mid-autumn to mid-spring. Modern man strives to get the maximum benefit from his living space. Here it is worth paying attention to valuable square meters, which are often either not used at all, or littered with old rubbish - a balcony or a loggia. With the right approach, it may well turn out to slightly expand your territory due to the space of the loggia.

The Russian climate is notable for the fact that for a significant part of the year the weather does not indulge in warmth. Ordinary balcony glazing reliably protects against noise, wind, dust and rain, but the temperature on such a balcony during the cold season will be the same as outside. A warm balcony allows you to comfortably use it in winter, and in some cases even combine a balcony with a room.

If you are planning to make the balcony a continuation of the living area of ​​the apartment, then you cannot do without a whole range of measures to insulate the balcony. How to insulate a balcony, where to start and what to insulate? Let's go in order...

Warm balcony glazing designs

The first step is to choose the right design for glazing. To do this, let's go through the assortment of the warm glazing market:

PVC glazing

In fact, this is the glazing of the balcony with PVC windows, the same as those used for glazing the windows of the premises. Sufficiently airtight, lightweight, budget design of warm glazing for a balcony. There are many PVC profile systems: KBE, REHAU, VEKA, TROCAL - some of this is a mass market, and some is luxury.

Basically, our customers choose PVC glazing as a system for a warm balcony or loggia.

Why is warm glazing with PVC windows so popular? Yes, because it is really the best price / performance ratio.

Sliding system Slidors

This is a sliding glazing system: PVC profile + double-glazed windows. Slidors has a feature that can be regarded as both an advantage and a disadvantage - it is a sliding opening mechanism. Due to this, Slidors is less hermetic when compared to PVC windows, but more hermetic than the cold construction of aluminum glazing.

Slidors are an "intermediate option" between warm and cold glazing, both in terms of functionality and budget. Room temperature on the balcony with such glazing will be difficult to achieve. But for shallow balconies, the Slidors sliding system is what you need: no additional space is required to open the doors.

Wooden windows

Wooden windows are one of the best options, especially for large balconies. The design is massive and heavy, but solid. On a budget, good - a luxury product. In terms of ecology, they are in the first place.

Thermal insulation in general depends more on the selected double-glazed window, and not on the material of the profile. Fittings must be of high quality: wooden windows are heavier than PVC ones.

Warm wooden glazing will last a long time. However, it should be borne in mind that wood is a living material, it reacts to changes in temperature, humidity and other environmental factors.

Warm aluminum

The warm aluminum profile glazing system is a higher class than PVC windows. Without delving into complex technical characteristics, we note the main features of the aluminum profile: it keeps heat, good sound insulation, long service life, elegant appearance. An important point: aluminum is an environmentally friendly, safe material. Despite its lightness, glazing made of warm aluminum profiles is quite durable and reliable. The price range is above average.

Front post-transom profile

This warm glazing system is fundamentally different from all types of windows and warm aluminum. Simply put, this is not a window that is installed in the opening, but a translucent wall, which in itself is a carrier.

Such glazing is used in modern construction for glazing facades of skyscrapers. The design is relevant for floor-to-ceiling warm glazing of large balconies, non-standard balconies, the construction of winter gardens, the construction of warm translucent roofs.

The VIP Balcony company works with all the listed structures.

There are many options for warm glazing of a balcony, and which one is better suited depends to a large extent on the glazing object. Our experts will always be able to suggest which glazing is right for you, and what options are possible.

Insulation of balconies and loggias

After warm glazing is installed on the balcony, we proceed to the next stage - this is the insulation of the balcony. Here, initially, you should pay attention to what exactly needs to be insulated. If you make a room out of a balcony, then everything needs to be insulated: walls, floor, ceiling. Penoplex, penofol, mineral wool are used as a heater. The tighter the insulation, the less drafts there will be. A draft is the main cause of heat leakage. So the joints of the insulating materials must be carefully sealed.

Stages of balcony insulation

Insulation of the balcony after installing PVC glazing It is important to take into account the top extensions and expanders so that the sashes open Laying polystyrene foam on the floor Sealing the seams with mounting foam Draft plywood floor 10 mm Insulation of the balcony walls The walls and parapet of the balcony are covered with insulation Wooden crate for future finishing Laying the second layer of PPS on the floor balcony Installation of a warm floor on a balcony Warm removal of glazing is much more complicated than usual Requires sealing and insulation of connection points Ceiling insulation on a balcony Balcony ceiling, PVC paneling Insulation of balcony walls, material - foam plastic

What we have: a balcony with PVC glazing. Even at the stage of glazing, it is important to take into account the upper extensions and expanders. Otherwise, the finish will rest against the double-glazed window and the sashes will not open. We insulate the floor: we lay PPS on a flat and clean surface, carefully sealing the seams with mounting foam. We lay the subfloor using 10 mm plywood. We insulate the walls and ceiling with penofol. We install wooden crates for future finishing, level the surface of the walls and ceiling. We lay the second layer of PPS on the floor of the balcony. We install a warm floor and fill the screed.

Warming completed. The balcony is ready for further finishing.

Warm floor on the balcony and loggia

The warm floor on the balcony can be used as the main heating if the balcony itself is small. Consider several options for underfloor heating:

Classic underfloor heating

The installation of a warm floor begins with the alignment of the balcony slab. To do this, a cement screed is poured onto the clean surface of the balcony slab. On top of the screed, after it has completely dried, a layer of PPS insulation 50–30 mm is laid. The next step is to lay a reinforcing mesh in order to increase the strength of the floor, avoid cracks and spreading of the screed, and also to ensure the solidity of the slab. Then comes the second layer of cement screed, which is poured over the floor heating cable. And only after the screed has completely dried, you can lay the tiles.

• Cons: The installation of a classic underfloor heating on a balcony is a rather long and laborious process, and such a construct is very difficult for a balcony slab.
• Pros: the most economical option.

Bulk warm floor

This method of erecting a warm floor on a balcony is very similar to the previous one. The only difference is the floor leveling stage. A special bulk material is used, which is leveled, and a GVL sheet is laid on top. Fast, easy and reliable.

Step 1. We lay mineral wool under the existing metal remote frame (additional insulation of the balcony)
Step 2. The vapor barrier acts as a barrier to natural moisture and prevents it from accumulating in unwanted places.
Step 3. OSB plate, serves to level the floor surface
Step 4. Reinforcing panels are additional insulation for the balcony and reinforcing the floor as a whole. The panels are laid in 2 layers in a checkerboard pattern, and the joints are carefully sealed.
Step 5. Laying the balcony floor heating cable. Near the glazing, we choose a laying step 2 times less than on the remaining area in order to avoid freezing.
Step 6. Fill a thin layer of screed and lay the tiles

Warm takeaway glazing

Very often, the customer wants to expand the space of the balcony, increase the window sill. In this case, such a technique as the removal of glazing comes to the rescue.

Removing glazing on a cold balcony is a simple task. But such a removal is completely inapplicable for a warm balcony, since with the usual (“cold”) removal of glazing, freezing of the window sill, ice and constant dampness at the junction of the glazing and the parapet are possible.

As a result of their own developments, VIP-Balcony specialists have found the right technology for insulating and sealing the removal of glazing. Our insulated stem has been time-tested, and there have been no complaints from users during operation.

The conclusion is this: if you are planning not just a warm balcony, but also the removal of the glazing structure from the parapet, monitor the quality of the insulation of the connection nodes.

warm roof

Roofless balconies are a fairly common situation. Either these are balconies of the last floors, or balconies located in a checkerboard pattern.

A cold roof is done quite simply, but with a warm one you need to tinker. The roof on a warm balcony is very demanding on factors such as leaks, freezing, blowing.

Therefore, even at the design stage, it is very important to clarify how and with what the adjunctions to the glazing structure and nodal connections are insulated and sealed.

Warm balcony: foam block parapet

Insulated parapet

The foam block parapet insulates the balcony The foam block parapet serves as the basis for the construction The foam block parapet will last for centuries

Sometimes the insulation of a metal parapet is not enough to create a warm balcony. Then we resort to such a technique as the construction of a parapet of foam blocks. Such a parapet will no longer require significant insulation, its service life is “for centuries”, it will withstand any heavy structure, and if necessary, also the roof resting on it.

Such a solid warm parapet also has disadvantages:

• Weight: not every balcony slab can handle such a load. In such cases, warm French glazing will be more advantageous. The difference in the weight of a glass parapet (made of PVC structures) and a foam block parapet is about one and a half times.
• Installation complexity: balcony glazing will have to be carried out in several stages.

Important: It is better to order a warm parapet, as well as warm glazing and balcony decoration, in one company, it is cheaper and faster, and when installing on a turnkey basis, it is easier to plan the terms of reference.

Warm balcony glazing: photos of completed projects

Warm French glazing

Warm glazing of the balcony from floor to ceiling Warm glazing, flooring, wall and ceiling decoration Warm glazing of the balcony from floor to ceiling For warm glazing of the balcony, a PVC profile is used Finishing the ceiling and walls of the balcony in the same style Warm balcony: finishing the ceiling and walls The floor of the balcony was tinted, to muffle the yellowness of the wood Floor, walls, window unit of the balcony are in harmony in color Balcony flooring - warm natural wood Warm balcony glazing - PVC profile and double-glazed windows Inside the double-glazed windows - white false cover (sprosses) In the center of the balcony - a section with hinged glazing The sashes swing open in different directions , opening a wide opening A magnificent panoramic view opens up from the balcony Swing sashes in the center of the balcony with warm glazing Swing sashes in the center of the balcony with warm glazing The extreme glazing leaves are tilt-and-turn At the end of the balcony there is also a tilt-and-turn glazing PVC profile and double-glazed windows will keep heat well lo False binding (shprossy) in a double-glazed window Warm French glazing: PVC profile and double-glazed windows Energy-saving glass was used for warm glazing

Balcony glazing from floor to ceiling is commonly called " french glazing". Since double-glazed windows go from top to bottom, there is no need to insulate the parapet. Warm glazing was made to the entire height of the balcony with PVC plastic windows. Double-glazed windows made of energy-saving glass - with white false cover (shpros) inside. In the center of the balcony there is a section with hinged glazing, the outer doors on the sides and the ends of the balcony are double opening, tilt-and-turn. In addition, the walls, floor and ceiling of the balcony were insulated and finished, a wardrobe was installed. A warm balcony with French glazing was made completely turnkey.

Warm PVC balcony glazing

The floor, ceiling and parapet are insulated The parapet is trimmed with plastic eurolining Balcony insulation with PVC glazing

Balcony insulation: glazing with PVC windows, hermetically and reliably. Installed built-in wardrobe with plastic filling. Finishing of a parapet from within - plastic eurolining. There is a large dryer-liana under the ceiling.

Warm balcony in peasant style

Complete insulation of the balcony: PVC glazing The window opening of the kitchen is blocked from below with a foam block The door of the balcony block opens outward The door of the balcony block does not take up space in the room Finishing: textured laminated PVC panels Warm glazing provides a comfortable temperature Sun blinds installed Insulation and turnkey finishing of the balcony

The peculiarity of this balcony is that the window of the balcony block is installed flush with the facade wall of the building, thereby the window sill from the side of the room is doubled, and there is no window sill on the balcony. The decoration of the balcony and the facade of the built-in wardrobe are made in the same style, textured laminated PVC panels are used, the color is "peasant style". When finishing the balcony, we re-made internal glazing: the door of the balcony block opens outward, without taking up space in the room; the window opening of the kitchen from below is laid with a foam block for installing furniture, which gives the impression of a stepping. At the request of the customer, two types of sun blinds were installed: Roman (Roman) pink and roll-cassette in a flower. Colors and patterns are specially selected. An Italian dryer was installed on the wall (it unfolds like an accordion). Full insulation and waterproofing were made, the balcony was completely turnkey.

Warm PVC glazing of the loggia on Olof Palma

Loggia insulation: underfloor heating, porcelain stoneware tiles Warm PVC glazing and loggia decoration

To insulate the loggia, a warm floor was installed, metlakh ceramic granite tiles on the floor, full insulation of the walls and ceiling, 100 mm PVC clapboard trim.

Glazing with warm PVC windows, glazing sashes - tilt-and-turn, open through one. This allows you to safely wash the glazing. A number of non-tearing (deaf) frames along the bottom of the glazing makes the parapet of the loggia too high. This increases the safety of small children on the loggia.

Developers of residential microdistricts in large cities, regional centers and even small towns put into operation houses with typical glazing of balconies and loggias. The standard scheme for its implementation is the installation of an aluminum profile frame and installation of single sheet glass in the window sashes. This is due to the fact that, according to existing standards and building codes, balconies and loggias are not living quarters, but perform auxiliary functions and therefore do not need to be insulated. Such a design, from a financial point of view, is the most economical for the developer and relieves him of responsibility for imperfections that may arise during the installation of more expensive and demanding quality warm glazing.

Rice. 1 Design of cold aluminum windows

Recently, a fashionable trend is the insulation of a balcony with cold glazing, which allows residents not only to save thermal energy, which is subject to accounting and appropriate payment, but also to expand the useful living space of the apartment. On a warm balcony, you can arrange a workshop, make an office, create a flower or vegetable greenhouse.

At the same time, the question arises before homeowners: how to insulate balconies with cold glazing. If the walls and parapet can be covered with effective modern insulation and sheathed on top with a finish from a number of common and popular materials, then solving the problem of cold glazing is much more difficult.

The situation is aggravated by the fact that any changes and alterations of typical glazing can lead to a change in the appearance of the facade of the building, and the reconstruction may not be approved by the relevant services. As a result, the replacement of cold glazing with warm glazing may be prohibited. And in the case of work without permission, penalties and a lawsuit may follow, as a result of which a decision is usually made to dismantle the installed glazing.

There is no clear legal regulatory framework for the issue of glazing balconies, so it is difficult to answer whether it is necessary to declare this and whether there is any point in the costly execution of permits. The current legislation provides for the procedure for official registration of repair work in a number of instances when redevelopment is carried out in apartments. The installation, dismantling, repainting and reconfiguration of balcony frames do not qualify as reconstruction or redevelopment work, so the possibility of their implementation and the legality of installation is determined by local officials or representatives of architectural services. Complaints to the owners may arise if during the modernization the color of the entire profile frame or the shape of the window frames are changed.

Rice. 2 Balcony glazing with windows installed in a cold profile

Methods for reworking cold glazing

An aluminum frame with cold single panes on the balcony protects the room from precipitation, street dirt, wind and dust, but not from cold air in winter. Most residents do not face the question of whether it is necessary to insulate a balcony or a loggia, they would all like to insulate the balcony with cold glazing. There are a considerable number of ideas and methods for solving this issue from craftsmen and reputable window companies, the reconstruction concerns the insulation of the profile itself and the replacement of glazing, the main methods consist of the following works:

• Aluminum profile insulation. Most often, it is pasted over with Penoizol or Penofol from the inside, the effectiveness of this method is close to zero, the only plus is that the insulator will prevent hands and other parts of the body from sticking to the frozen aluminum frame in winter.

Rice. 3 Insulation of the loggia with multi-chamber plastic windows

• Pasting single glass with a heat-insulating film or replacing it with heat-saving types. In the first case, the film is able to reduce heat losses through glass by 30%; when installing glazing with reflection of thermal radiation, heat losses can be reduced by one and a half to two times. However, these advantages are minimized when glass and metal balcony frames harden in winter.
• Window sash replacement. Some masters, due to the fact that it is technically difficult to replace single glass with a warm multi-chamber double-glazed window in the sash, remove window sashes with cold glazing and install windows with multi-chamber double-glazed windows in their place. Since the aluminum frame is replaced with a PVC structure, the windows differ in color from the aluminum frame and violate the aesthetic appearance of the building facade. Another disadvantage of the design is the installation of heavy windows with multi-chamber double-glazed windows in an aluminum frame that is not designed for heavy weight - this can lead to breakage of a fragile aluminum frame, loosening of its fasteners and collapse of the glazing.

Rice. 4 Installation in the loggia from the inside of additional glazing

• Installation of the second glazing circuit. A radical method of warming cold balconies and loggias is to install a second frame with warm glasses indoors. The method requires significant financial costs, leads to a decrease in usable area, a violation of the aesthetics of the appearance from the inside of the room, difficulty in ventilation and accumulation of dirt between the two glazing circuits in places that are difficult to access.
• Replacing a cold aluminum profile with a warm one. The method makes it possible to preserve the typical appearance of the glazing, which does not cause complaints from housing and architectural services, and to reduce heat loss through the aluminum profile during finishing to a minimum. A warm aluminum profile is an external and internal aluminum frame separated from each other by a plastic insert, which is a cold bridge. Reconstruction results in a complete replacement of all cold glazing on a balcony or loggia, so the costs are maximum compared to other methods. The design is better to use in southern latitudes than in cold climates - an insulating plastic partition does not protect the aluminum frame from freezing well and frost appears on the window glasses.

Rice. 5 Aluminum profile with plastic insulator

An analogue of replacing cold aluminum frames with warm ones is the use of wooden structures trimmed on the outside with an aluminum profile. In this case, the old cold aluminum glazing needs to be changed, wooden frames will cost even more, but will provide high thermal protection of the room in the cold northern latitudes.

In this case, double or triple double-glazed windows are installed in wooden doors, their advantage over standard wooden frames is the aluminum finish on the outside, which protects the wood from the harmful effects of the external environment (moisture, solar radiation).

Rice. 6 Balconies insulated with wooden frames

Professional insulation of the balcony frame

Some window companies carry out glazing and insulation of balconies with cold frames using modern technologies and materials. During the work, the main stages are:

Typical glazing and insulation of balconies and loggias of modern high-rise buildings currently does not satisfy many residents due to their budget and cold indoors in winter. It is better to insulate a loggia or balcony with the installation of new warm high-quality glazing with the help of window companies that perform these types of work, while installing new multi-chamber double-glazed windows and insulating the aluminum frame.

The balcony available in your apartment can quite simply be turned into a cozy and comfortable auxiliary room, thanks to which the usable area of ​​​​the apartment will noticeably increase. But before insulating a balcony with cold glazing, you should familiarize yourself with the basic finishing techniques, the use of which will allow you to achieve the goal indicated above. In addition, you should decide which elements of the balcony are subject to insulation. In most cases, it is necessary to proceed from the fact that the maximum effect is achieved by insulating all parts of the balcony structure, namely:

• window frames;
• flooring;
• outer walls;
• ceiling and canopy.

(The latter is necessary so that the heat does not escape through the upper part of the balcony). We note right away that there are no time limits regarding the organization of warming measures, as such, i.e. work can be done at any time of the year. However, experts advise to carry out these works in warm and dry weather.

Consider the insulation technique for each of the elements of the balcony structure separately.

Window insulation

Insulation of window frames is necessary if the sealant layer at the joints of the frames is insufficient, and cold air enters the room through them. In order to make sure of this, it is enough to bring your palm to the seam in windy and cold weather and determine the presence of air draft.

Windows are insulated by additional sealing of joints around the entire perimeter of the frame (on the inside and outside) using a special polyurethane sealant.

In the event that you have plastic windows installed on your balcony, you most likely will not need any additional steps to insulate them.

Floor insulation

For the insulation of load-bearing structures, a variety of materials can be used, among which mineral wool, foam plastic and polystyrene foam (foam foam) are especially common. All of the above types of insulation are characterized by low thermal conductivity and allow you to reliably isolate the internal spaces of the balcony from cold air. The solution to this problem is best to start with floor insulation, which can be protected by a multi-layer coating system that includes heat-insulating plates (mineral wool or any other synthetic insulation).

The order of operations performed in this case will look like this:

• First you need to decide on the thickness of the insulating layer, since the height of the parapet will depend on this. According to building codes, it should not be less than 95 cm (if there are small children in the family - at least 105 cm).
• Based on the measurements obtained, a set of bars of the required thickness should be prepared, which are then laid across the floor at a distance of about 50 cm from one another.
• On top of these bars, longitudinal logs are placed in such a way that their ends do not rest against the parapet. In this case, the distance between the lags themselves and the balcony railing should be about 7 cm (on each side).
• Then, in the intervals between the lags, it is necessary to lay the plates of the insulation of your choice, covering them from above with chipboard sheets, which are subsequently attached to the lags by means of self-tapping screws.

As a result of the operations performed, you will receive an insulated subfloor, on which a finishing coating is later laid. If desired, you can use a system of special heating elements to insulate the floor (the so-called "warm floor").

Wall and ceiling insulation

The walls of the balcony railing and its ceiling are recommended to be insulated with sheets of foam, foam plastic or similar material with a thickness of about 3 centimeters. Closing the walls with insulation is best to start from the corner; at the same time, the plates are fixed on the frame using special plastic fasteners.

When using mineral wool as a heater, it is recommended to lay a layer of penofol on top of it, fastened in such a way that its foil side faces the inside of the room.

The use of this material eliminates the possibility of condensation on the surface of the insulation layer and significantly extends its service life.

In conclusion, I would like to note one point, the consideration of which will help you avoid significant costs of working time. Before you insulate a balcony with cold glazing with your own hands, ask the owner of the apartment above you if he has insulated the floors on his balcony.

In the event that you received a positive answer, you have every reason to refuse to insulate the ceiling and visor altogether.

But this solution is only acceptable if there is no severe frost in your area during the winter.

Video

This video is dedicated to the rules for warming and arranging the subfloor on the balcony.

I still remember those times when in the Soviet Union they were not allowed to glaze a balcony (God, how long have I been living). Now this part of the housing without window frames and cladding is bad manners. For the balconies of the central streets of large cities, a general style must be maintained, which is usually not difficult to follow. In general, today and only now - glazing and insulation of balconies.

How to properly insulate and glaze a balcony?

Proper insulation and glazing are high-quality processes that lead to a good result. You can not expect a miracle effect from the frames installed on the balcony, but without warming at least one parapet.

1. Insulation and sheathing of the parapet.
2. Balcony glazing.
3. Floor insulation.
4. Sheathing with heat-insulating materials of the ceiling of the balcony.

This option is easy to do. It is convenient and gives a good result, because if the balcony is insulated in stages, you can save it from heat loss as much as possible.

So, let's start.

Parapet insulation

The parapet, from the French fencing, in our country is usually metal. If the balcony is equipped with a parapet draped with wood (like my dad’s), has a concrete slab on the outside inserted into the grooves (apparently Soviet designers thought it was beautiful) or something else, all this needs to be dismantled.

We need a clean parapet, which is to be insulated. There are two options here:

1. Sheathing on the outside, and then insulation and interior decoration.
2. First, insulation, then sheathing outside and inside.

The effect should be the same, but the order of work is different.

The first version of the parapet insulation

Along the perimeter of the parapet (bottom and top, as well as on the sides) we make a frame. We insert the cut sheets of siding into it. It's easier to do horizontal mounting, but I don't mind vertical mounting either. When the balcony is sheathed with siding from the outside, it will be necessary to insert a heater.

With this option, it is better to work with roll insulation (fiberglass). For the characteristics of all heaters, see the appropriate section. Next, insulate the floor and ceiling, if necessary.

Now the balcony needs to be ennobled inside. In this matter, I usually choose plastic or kronospan. Installation is about the same as siding.

The second option for warming the parapet

We attach sheets of insulation to the parapet. It is better to go through the joints with liquid nails or foam. The job will take a couple of hours no more.

Now you need to sheathe the outer part, and then do the interior decoration. I think that this option for warming balconies is more correct or something, at least I like it better. Now let's talk about what needs to be done in any case.

Balcony floor and ceiling insulation

Having spent nerves and strength on warming and ennobling the outer part of the balcony, it would be advisable to carry out lighter work on warming the floor and ceiling.

We get rid of the cracks on the floor, level the surface if possible, and then put the insulation. It can be rolled, it can be sheet, if there is money, then it can be liquid. The main thing is that the insulation fills the entire space of the balcony. We install sheet insulation on the ceiling.

In principle, in a day - a maximum of two, the insulation of the entire balcony can be completed. Glazing is next.

How to glaze a balcony?

Even I myself have never installed a double-glazed window. It’s not that it’s very difficult, but still there are certain nuances, and for balconies there are even more of them, since the frame will consist of at least three parts, or even more.

Used for glazing balconies

• aluminum frames,
• plastic,
• wooden frames.

And the glazing itself can be divided into three main types:

1. Cold.
2. Panoramic.
3. Sliding.

Balcony frames

Plastic double-glazed window is the most inexpensive and fairly durable option for glazing balconies. If the balcony does not become a full part of the apartment, then it will be enough to opt for one or two chamber double-glazed windows. Otherwise, windows should be more energy efficient.

This is interesting! An aluminum profile is indistinguishable from a plastic one from afar, but it is lighter (which means it is suitable for balconies where the floor slab is already subject to destruction), more durable and can be of different colors. One or two glasses can be inserted into the aluminum frame, a thermostat must be present between the latter.

Wooden frames, if they are already many years old, retain heat poorly, they most likely look the same. But modern wood frames are, of course, style, beauty and, forgive me, a certain aesthetics. If you insert a high-quality double-glazed window into them, then the result of insulation will be no worse than from plastic or metal frames.

Well, now a little about the ways of glazing balconies.

Cold frames

Honestly, now I have not met people who would need cold glazing, its options: single glass in

• wooden frame,
• aluminum profile.

If the idea comes to glaze the balcony in this way, then it will not be necessary to do the insulation in it, at least, it will not be necessary to do it carefully.

Panoramic glazing

I really like panoramic balconies, but you can’t make a pantry out of them. Such a balcony, in my opinion, should be in perfect order and without unnecessary details (in the form of a bicycle, wet laundry or a box from under the refrigerator).

Panoramic glazing can be full (to the entire height of the balcony) or partial (from the parapet to the ceiling). In any case, frames are not needed here, and glasses with a thickness of 6 mm or more must be treated with metal oxide.

• how exactly the glass is set,
• do they open well?
• how wide is the window sill and so on.

Sliding glazing

The principle of movement of windows, as in wardrobes. It is believed that it is advisable to install such frames where there is no way to normally open pivot windows.

It is important! The only negative is that when frost sets in immediately after the rainy season, the guides (more precisely, the roller mechanism) can freeze, so movement will be either difficult or impossible at all. But honestly, I have not met those who would complain about such difficulties.

Well, I think that he told everything he knew about the insulation and glazing of balconies. For more details on the nuances of insulation, see the relevant sections.